Select Local Merchants

At Gameworld, fun materializes in a variety of forms, from bowling to arcade games modeled after sporty endeavors and amusement park rides. Bowlers launch spheres down regulation-size lanes or the abbreviated alleys of a replica of Highway 66, featuring mini lanes striped with a highway median that cater specifically to toddlers, but can entertain competitors of all ages. After lifting bowling balls, gamers can cool down in the arcade, a haven for a veritable timeline of electronic adversaries from yesteryear's Pac-Man to modern Daytona racecars, as well as air hockey and a small climbing wall. The MaxFlight Simulator reigns supreme among its peers, emulating the jolting twists and turns of a rollercoaster ride without the annoyance of picking bugs off of teeth. Players refuel at Perky's Pizza with crispy slices or entire pies made to order, which can also power kids through bowling birthday parties that include bowling, gaming, and goody bags.

What makes a chili recipe the best there is? The judges at this year's Chili & Salsa fest will have to figure that out for themselves as they award entries of chili—and salsa—in this year's competitions. At Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, the scents of fall food mingle in the air, making it tricky for patrons to decide whose wares to sample. And as evening comes on, so does the crowd, as the event shifts to watching college and NFL football on the big screen.

With proceeds benefiting the Boys & Girls Club and Idaho Select Player's Fund, BAM Jam incites three-on-three hoop wars between players of all ages and skill levels, with 142 teams playing on 22 courts its first year alone. Grab two buddies or half an octopus and take part as downtown Boise transforms into an eight-block, multicourt labyrinth of bracketed competitions, with divisions designed to evenly match third-grade female dribblers, men older than 40, teenagers older than 20, and elite adult and high-school players as all vie for netted glory. With a guaranteed minimum of three games per team, even ragtag Lilliputian trios can pursue quixotic competition in the city streets—all under the keen eye of the BAM Jam monitors, who keep conduct sportsmanlike and mischievous backboards from wandering off to the concession stand midgame.

Dead-On Archery is a 8,000-square-foot archer?s sanctuary that helps bring the feel of the outdoors indoors with mounted animal-head trophies and lifelike animal targets. The indoor grounds feature a fully equipped 20- and 30-yard range with a hunting simulator dart system. On any given day, National Field Archery Association master instructors teach budding Robin Hoods key shooting techniques with traditional and compound bows. The copious space also hosts seasoned archers during range practice as they aim for paper targets and three-dimensional targets, such as deer. Archery tournaments, target practice, and 3-D archery are all commonplace throughout the week and weekends. Those looking to bolster their equipment arsenals can visit the pro shop brand name items. The onsite shop repairs broken crossbows and outfits customers with such equipment as bowstring wax, feathers, and full-body steel-plate armor.

With its name gracing a new 6,500 square-foot training facility, Asana Climbing has officially come full circle. Founded in 1999, the company has long been designing and manufacturing gear specifically for the sport of bouldering, including branded apparel, chalk bags, and chalk for gripping holds. In 2013, the company made the move to not only outfit climbers, but provide the climbing wall they aim to master. The company began inviting longtime brand ambassadors and newcomers alike to use the 2,000 square feet of bouldering space inside the new Asana Climbing Gym. In addition to challenges designed for experts and tournament-level competition, the facility offers a designated area for beginners and young climbers, a weight and cardio training zone, and a changing area with showers.

Gateway Parks Eagle Snow Park brings resort-like skiing, snowboarding, and tubing to a local community park, creating a family-friendly winter wonderland that sticks around all year. Snow machines sprinkle flakes on the ground, and a snowcat ensures a smooth surface every night once the lights go off. In the morning, staff send guests?both kids and adults?flying down the snow lanes on tubes, skis, snowboards, and snow skates. Specially built jumps, rails, and creative elements allow advanced sportsmen and sportswomen to practice tricks on the way down.